Lakers in Talks With Phil Jackson About Return

Lakers officials met with former coach Phil Jackson Saturday to talk about him returning to the team, a spokesman confirmed.

Jackson met with team Vice President Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak, Lakers public relations director John Black told NBC4.

The meeting came a day after the team fired coach Mike Brown following a disappointing start to the season that had left the Lakers 1-4. The team won Friday night under interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff, defeating the Golden State Warriors 101-77.

Fans at the Staples Center on Friday appeared to welcome the concept of a Jackson return.

In the third quarter with Kobe Bryant at the free throw line, the crowd chanted "We want Phil! We want Phil!"

If Jackson returns to coach the team, it would be his third stint with LA, which won five NBA titles under his leadership.

After Friday's game, Kobe Bryant expressed regret for how Jackson was forced out of his job in 2011 after embarrassing playoff losses to Dallas.

But Bryant said he believed Jackson, who has had knee surgery, wouldn't return to coaching unless he's healthy.

Black said the team expected to meet again with Jackson soon.

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